Educators object to bill allowing guns in cars at schools

From staff and wire reports

Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2015 | 12:50 p.m.

CARSON CITY — Gun advocates clashed with educators Wednesday over a bill to allow weapons secured in vehicles on school campuses.

The Assembly Judiciary Committee oversaw 90 minutes of debate and testimony this morning on Assembly Bill 2.

Assembly Speaker John Hambrick is sponsoring the bill and said it would allow firearms to be stored in a car on the grounds of any daycare center or public, private or college campus as long as the vehicle is occupied, locked or if the gun is kept in a storage container.

Current Nevada law makes it a misdemeanor to possess firearms on school grounds, although there are some exceptions.

A number of education groups opposed the bill, saying it was too broad and needed additional restrictions.

Proponents said an amendment was being prepared to address objections raised.

Dana Galvin, representing the Washoe County Education Association, said the “presence of guns in vehicles on public school campuses greatly increases the likelihood of a student accessing a weapon and harming themselves or other students.”

David Steel, representing the 500-member Nevada Faculty Alliance, made up of college professors, said passage of the bill “would increase the chance of death” on campuses.

Las Vegas Sun reporter Cy Ryan and the Associated Press contributed to this report.